Seeds cycling, also known as a seed rotation diet, is a natural medication for regulating women's reproductive hormones. It is believed to be very effective against irregular menstruation cycle and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Seed cycling reviews suggest that it is used to remedy infertility and symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, fatigue, etc. However, there is no scientific approval or backing to validate this.
Process of Seeds Cycling
In the seeds cycling method, women must take 2 tablespoons of seeds like pumpkin, flax, chia, sunflower, and sesame seeds. These seeds have hormone regulation properties and can help maintain estrogen and progesterone levels of the body.
Seeds should be raw and freshly grounded. You can also mix them with other food items like milkshakes or cornflakes. Women should ideally make a seed cycling chart as per the following two phases of the reproductive cycle:
Follicular Phase of Seed Cycling: In this phase, you must eat one tablespoon of pumpkin, flax, and chia seeds. Continue this daily, from the first day of your periods until you start ovulating. This phase is approximately 2 weeks long for most women.
Luteal Phase of Seed Cycling: It begins from day 1 of ovulation and ends with the start of your periods. Eat one tablespoon of sunflower and sesame seeds per day till the specified period. It also lasts for approximately 2 weeks.
Can Seeds Cycling Cure PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is caused by over secretion of two hormones - insulin and androgens (male hormones). It results in -
- loss of scalp hair
- excess hair growth in parts of the body like face, chest, etc
- weight gain
- depression and panic attacks
- irregular menstrual cycle, and
- irregular ovulation.
It can be cured by opting for medications to maintain a hormonal balance. Seeds rotation for PCOS is one such natural remedy.
How Can Seed Cycling Cure PCOS?
Seeds cycling as a PCOS cure is not proven scientifically. However, it helps in balancing a hormonal imbalance (the root cause of PCOS) by the following ways seed cycling methods:
Follicular Phase of Seed Cycling:
Estrogen secretion is high during this period. Hence, it is recommended to eat a combination of pumpkin, flax, and chia seeds. Phytoestrogens or lignans in flax seeds bind to the excess estrogen and then remove it from the women's body. Thus, seed cycling benefits women with PCOS by keeping estrogen level under control.
Zinc in pumpkin seeds promotes progesterone production in the body. Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds maintain estrogen and progesterone levels of the body during the follicular phase. This supports a healthy reproductive system and thus, in turn, helps in the treatment of PCOS by seed cycling.
Chia seeds help relieve symptoms like metabolic syndrome, irregular periods, insulin sensitivity, mood swings, and acne.
Luteal Phase of Seed Cycling:
This is the phase when a woman is most fertile. The follicle releases the egg and awaits sperm for fertilization. Estrogen and progesterone are secreted in high quantities to support the fertilized egg. Consume sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during this luteal phase.
Sesame seeds block excess estrogen as they are a rich source of Zinc and Selenium. On the other hand, sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). Both of them boost progesterone production. Thus, the level of estrogen and progesterone is maintained in the body.
Final Verdict
Seeds cycling PCOS success stories are still a matter of debate. However, it involves the intake of minerals and vitamins, which maintains a healthy reproductive system and hormonal balance. Many women follow seeds cycling for PCOS symptom relief like irregular periods and infertility.
FAQs
Is seed cycling effective?
Seed cycling before and after effects are yet to be thoroughly researched. Nevertheless, it boasts a healthy reproductive cycle and helps women maintain a normal estrogen and progesterone level.
How long does it take for seeds cycling to work?
Seeds cycling takes approximately 3 months to work. However, you may start noticing a gradual improvement in your reproductive cycle from the second month.
Is seed cycling good for conceiving?
Seeds cycling ensures the normal level of estrogen and progesterone level of the body during the luteal phase. It is the most fertile phase of the reproductive cycle. Hence, in a way, yes, seed cycling is good for conceiving.
Do you have to grind seeds for seeds cycling?
Grinding seeds help in the easy absorption of nutrients when they enter the body. So it is advised to grind seeds for seed cycling.
